At least 10 people were wounded when around 14 rockets and mortars were launched at the Kerem Shalom crossing between Israel and Gaza from the Rafah area on Sunday, marking a rare escalation following months of fighting in the Gaza Strip.
Hamas immediately claimed responsibility for the attack. In response, Air Force helicopters and fighter jets were deployed to the area to help evacuate the wounded and to retaliate against the source of the rocket fire.
Sirens sounded at 1:30 p.m., warning of incoming fire as rockets were launched, quickly followed by mortar attacks. In response, IDF tanks shelled Gaza to secure the area near the border, destroying several rocket launchers situated a few hundred yards from encampments of displaced Gazan civilians in Rafah.
The Eshkol Regional Council reported that several rockets had landed, resulting in injuries. "The injured were not residents of the council; we pray for their well-being," the statement read, noting that school bus schedules would be delayed pending security clearance.
The IDF also announced the temporary closure of the Kerem Shalom border crossing, preventing trucks carrying humanitarian aid from entering Gaza.
Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, speaking to IDF troops in Gaza on Sunday, indicated that the offensive would commence soon.
"We wanted to bring about the release of hostages quickly by stalling our operations. We are observing worrying signs that Hamas does not intend to reach an agreement with us," Gallant said during his visit to the Strip. "This means the operation in Rafah will begin in the very near future."